How can a citizen quickly verify the authenticity of a uniformed law enforcement officer, and thus minimize the amount of time vulnerable to a potential impersonator?
It isn't that difficult to replicate the uniform, equipment, and even "badge" (the gold star) of an officer. If a policemen addressed you in uniform while assuming the role of a law enforcement agent, how would you minimize your risks both with the law and with the potential harm of an impersonator?
2006-12-27 14:10:30 · 12 answers · asked by Andy 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Assume that any "officer" is one. So pull over when directed, etc. But, if something strikes you as odd, point it out, and politely ask the officer some identifying information that you can confirm.
For instance, if you are pulled over at night, alone, and have concerns when an officer asks you to come back to his car, (assuming you aren't drunk, or have warrants, then it's obvious why they would be asking this) ask for the officer's name and badge number, and where he works out of.
Then a call to the police will verify if this officer is working, and should have a log of him being out on a traffic stop or on a specific detail.
Some abused womens shelters in our area will do this for the safety of their clients, despite us pulling up in a fully marked cruiser and in full uniform.
There are instances all over of people impersonating police. If you aren't sure, a call to 911 from a cell phone will certainly help clear things up.
IN RESPONSE TO SOME PREVIOUS COMMENTS
Not all badges have numbers on them. Not every police agency will do this. Some don't put them on the uniform, and some put them elsewhere such as on the shoulders.
Not stopping for police is an offence in itself, and stopping an emergency vehicle from getting through by failing to yield immediately could result in someone's death if that emergency vehicle is trying to get past you for a heart attack or other concern. Pull over where it is safe. Not where you want.
2006-12-27 14:18:30 · answer #1 · answered by Jim D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There have been several cases of officer impersonation to include the uniform, car, badge, and other. There was a case where one such person would target lone female drivers and rob and rape them after pulling them over on a secluded road at the darker hours of night. It took seven attempts prior to catching this person. How do you judge? Why not visit your local law enforcement officers down at the PD and request for the facts yourself? Get to know the local PD, they’re not all that bad and big bullies like people think, and learn about their policies and measures you can take to assure you are not victimized by a very fashionable or knowledgeable impersonator.
2006-12-27 22:15:59 · answer #2 · answered by Joseph C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While some cops don't realize this (and others who do realize it might be reluctant to admit it), it is not the badge, the gun, the car, or the uniform that give a law enforcement officer his legal power. The one item that gives them their legal authority is called a commission card. The commission card should have a photograph (and possibly a thumb print) of the officer, say his/her name, and where they are employed.
Every law enforcement officer (at least in the state of Oklahoma) must carry their commission card on them at all times while on duty. Failure to do so could result in legal consequences.
If you are concerned that the officer that pulled you over may not be a cop, ask to see his commission card. If he does not have one, or if he refuses to show it to you, it might be possible that he is not actually a cop. (But, some cops are still convinced that their badges, guns, uniforms, and cars make them a cop, not the legal document that issues them a commission, and may get a little huffy when asked for it.)
Also, as has been pointed out, contact your local police department and discuss your concerns with them. Ask them what proof you can request as a citizen to ensure that the person pulling you over is actually in law enforcement.
Finally, if you are pulled over, try to go to a well lit area or an area with high visibility before you stop. Generally, a cop will understand your concern when you explain it to them. Or, if all else fails, drive to the police department itself before stopping (if it is with in a reasonable distance).
The only other thing I can think of is that if you are pulled over, and you are concerned that the person pulling you over is not a real cop, call the non-emergency line of the police department and ask to talk to dispatch. Explain to them you concern, and they should be able to tell you if the person pulling you over is a real cop.
Hope that helps!
-Saffyre
2006-12-28 19:31:11 · answer #3 · answered by the_vampiress_saffyre 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a Police Officer myself, I can only say that anytime a uniformed officer directs to do something, you should do it. If being stopped by an unmarked police vehicle, you can always try to pull over in a well traveled and lit area, or if you have a cell phone, call 911 and tell them what is going on(be as specific as possible, giving your name, plate number, car make and model, and most importantly, your exact location. If you decide not have a cell phone, and are in a dark, decolite area, I guess you could put your hazard lights on, and drive slowly to the nearest police, or firestation. Believe me, if you live in a place where there are many officers on duty at one time, and you do not pull over, you will see many other police cars behind you pretty quickly. And try and become familiar with your P.D. including their uniforms and maybe some of their names. And most of all...follow your instincts...be safe!
2006-12-27 22:51:19 · answer #4 · answered by italian_prince23 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Unfortunatly, replica badges look very close to the real thing.
Yes, go to a well lit and populated area.
However, you also can call 911 on your cell phone and verify that it is a real officer attempting to pull you over. If it is not, they will tell you and send help right away.
2006-12-27 22:17:17 · answer #5 · answered by Pamela K 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First very seldom would anyone dress and act like a police officer since it is a seroius crime.
Next police bages are not stars unless they are with the sheriff department. If you are concerned, get to know the exact badge your local police use, They will be ingraved and stamped with the department names and the such.
And if in doubt, call the department and ask if they are on the force.
2006-12-27 22:27:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ask for an identification card. We are all issued one along with the badge and uniform.
2006-12-27 22:19:05 · answer #7 · answered by Allen P 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask Him to name the "Watch Commander" of his Precinct. Then offer to call it in for Him. Why don't You direct Your question to one of the Police Associations in Your City, County or State- surely They would be happy to give You a few pointers on how to identify an impostor?
2006-12-27 22:15:05 · answer #8 · answered by Ashleigh 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ask to see their police ID card.
2006-12-28 06:53:51 · answer #9 · answered by WC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they were pulling me over, I wouldn't stop until I got into a parking lot or well lit area.
2006-12-27 22:13:40 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ Tori ♥ 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋